I use my timex to dive especially before I went to a dive computer. Now I dive the computer - it makes life easy. For 50 can't be beat. Has worked fine for me down to about 120 as well. I do have a fancy dive watch {Omega Seamaster} but I use the Timex if I really need to time as you can set count down timers etc.

I guess this one would be an antique. I paid $175. for it back in 1969. I've had it resealed twice. Now it's just a keep sake.

If you can get away with a $50 watch? More power to ya. I'm not fond of putting all the eggs in one basket (dive computers) it tends to make one forget all the important stuff learned, especially for a new diver.

Was a walmart timex special with a $9.00 velcro watch strap. Total watch and strap was maybe $30.... lasted forever and did eveything I needed. Now I dive with 2 computers and never wear watch. The cell phone has the time.

Have a $20 Casio and a $150 Seiko, both are great but as age increases have found cost of watch is not the issue, they all work, itís the need for lenses in mask. Recommendations, as to best solution to this problem.

I dive with both a dive computer (when required for the depth or nitrox) and a dive watch. I use the computer but always like the watch better. I have owned several over the years and used all for diving. Casio's work perfect fine. Seiko's are of course very reliable.

My ultimate watch would be a Doxa of course...but out of your price range (and mine).

A few years ago I discovered Invicta dive watches (and the name is just a funny coincidence). They are absolutely outstanding Swiss watches. As well made as a ROlex or Omega, with equal material, workmanship and detail, but for less money. I really love these watches and now have an automatic and a quartz one. Their top of the line dive watches are 25 Swiss ETA jewel movement automatics, screw down crown and sapphire crystals. Most rated to 200m depth. These movements are the same ones used in the automatic Omega's and Rolex's...though those may be modified and more finely adjusted in order for them to be certified COSC...but in my experience, even the average 21 jewel Myota movement Invicta watches meet the COSC standard and are accurate to 2 sec per day...the 25 j swiss ETA movements are more accurate. I think you can get one online in the $300-400 range depending on model.

And one note about mineral vs sapphire crystals....I actually managed to crack a mineral crystal on a watch after a dive...probably dropped weights or a tank on it...never a problem with a sapphire crystal watch...or maybe I took more care....

Hope this helps

[I have no association with the company]

Best

John
s/v Invictus

(just a funny coincidence...but if they are reading this and would like to sponsor the boat....)

I love dive watches of all types. However I would never wear one in the water. I am always paranoid that they will flood..hell everything floods eventually. I did us that Timex ironman for a while and on the fourth dive on Molasses reef in Key largo at 40 feet...she imploded right on my wrist...so now I collect em but i don't dive with them.

I'm a huge watch, especially big and divers watch lover also. I've owned several sub-mariners and a sew-dweller in my life time as well as a Datona now a Breitling chronomat. I've always owned either a chronograph or divers. Love the look, feel and weight of them!!

I personally don't like any other types of jewelry, just a good watch!! Good luck in your search!!

I've had my Ironman down to at least 120'. But according to a dive master I dove with, if you push the buttons AT ALL when wet, they flood. So I now push the timer button when on the boat, and then hit the water. So far, so good.

I love my computer, but I never would dive without a watch as backup. Used to use a Sector (Swiss) dive watch for many years, but now mainly using the Omega Seamaster. My first dive watches were Casios. Great value for money.